Data show Ore. Capitol more open than many

SALEM, Ore. — It’s often said that Oregon’s state Capitol is open and accessible. Survey results support the idea.

The Salem Statesman Journal reports Oregon is one of 18 states that don’t require ID badges for staffers or visitors at the capitol.

The Oregon Capitol is one of 16 without security at entrances, and one of 11 that allow citizens with firearms to walk the halls.

The paper gathered information from the National Conference of State Legislatures after a demonstration last week raised security questions. Two logging protesters broke away from a tour group, rappelled down the Capitol dome and displayed an anti-logging banner.

State Senate President Peter Courtney hopes modest security improvements dealing with tour groups will do for now. But he says more security measures are likely in coming years.